Devastator: Conjurers Of Cruelty
Reviewed by: Jim Harrison
Review score: 9.0
Devastator is a four piece blackend thrash band from the county of Derbyshire in the United Kingdom. Conjurers Of Cruelty is their highly anticipated second album release. Following their debut Baptized In Blasphemy from 2019 that was re-released in 2023 with bonus tracks.
The band has expanded from their debut pushing a heavier, explosive sound that crosses many metal genre’s keeping true to their black death metal sound but adding thrash and a traditional metal vibe.
Members, T.Nachtghal (bass/vocals), R.Amun (lead guitarist), C.W.Wolfgang (rhythm guitarist) and J.Scarlett (drums) have created a contemporary black metal direction immersing the listener with so many other elements making this release exciting.
The album begins with the instrumental track ‘Beyond The Gate’ where the tolling bells sets an ominous mood and then cuts off heading into the title track. ‘Conjurers Of Cruelty’ delivers a massive drum beat then the guitars cut in and make this a faster thrash sound. This is a wicked track and a great way to start off the album.
‘Black Witchery’ has an old style Metallica groove with the heavy fast guitars. This is a cool song and Nachtghul’s darkened vocals make this a favourite of mine. This track will be awesome live. ‘Ritual Abuse (Evil Never Dies)’ is the first single released and is a great example of what the listener is in for. This track is an all out assault of the senses, pounding bass and drums, fast guitar riffs and superb vocals. ‘Walpurgisnacht’ is another fast track showcasing how talented this band is. This is a blackened thrash masterpiece and is another favourite of mine.
‘Necromantic Lust’ has a death scream intro pushing more of a faster death metal vibe. The chorus is heavy and the guitar solo is fantastic. ‘Deathspell Defloration’ begins with a black metal vocal sound slow and dark and speeds up with a chugging guitar, bass and drum assault that gives this an old school thrash vibe. Very reminiscent of Celtic Frost. ‘Bestial Rites’ has a massive bass intro and is another fast song that smacks you in the face. This is a quick track that is only 2:46 and gives me an early Slayer feeling. ‘Sharpen The Blade’ brings total metal fury to this album. Another personal favourite track of mine. This song is an ass-kicker with a big drum and guitar sound.
‘Rabid Morbid Death’ is the longest track in the album at 7:50 and finishes this album off on a high. This track has it all, fast riffs and solos, great beat and dark vocals. Halfway in the song it slows and branches into more of a melodic death metal song.
The CD version of this album contains two bonus tracks: ‘Liar In Wait’ and ‘Death Forever’ are fantastic extras that will entice fans to pick up the physical CD copy.
I love it when bands release new material that is exciting and this album is exactly that. Musically, vocally and with superb writing makes this a must have for all metal fans of any genre. I predict this will make my top twenty album list of 2024, it’s that groundbreaking.
I recommend picking this up, especially a CD copy for the two bonus tracks and playing it at eleven!
Conjurers Of Cruelty drops March 1, 2024 via Listenable Records.